Which option best represents the substantial-cause percentage range for psychiatric injury?

• A. 5-10%
• B. 60-70%
• C. 35-40%
• D. 25-30%

Answer: (C)

In California SIP discussions, apportionment of disability for a psychiatric injury is based on a substantial-contributing-cause concept: what portion of the impairment is caused by work-related factors versus non-work factors. The range that best represents the work-related contribution for psychiatric injury sits in the mid-30s to around 40 percent. This acknowledges that work can be a meaningful, substantial factor in the injury, but it is still common for non-work elements—such as preexisting mental health conditions or external stressors—to play a significant role as well. So 35-40% reflects a substantial, not exclusive, work contribution, which fits the typical pattern of psychiatric injury cases. The other ranges either understate or overstate the work factor given the frequent involvement of multiple contributing influences in psychiatric conditions.